Finding the Right Conditioner

The right conditioner can help your hair look healthier, smoother and shinier, while preventing breakage and preserving color. Look for conditioners and ingredients that will bring out the best in your hair type.

Hair Type:

Fine or Thin Hair

Fine, thin hair does need conditioning, but stick to lightweight, volumizing formulas that rinse out. You want to boost body and shine and control flyaways, which can occur when your hair isn’t properly moisturized.

There are also some ingredients to look for that will help thicken and strengthen fine hair without weighing it down like biotin, caffeine, panthenol and amino acids. If you have fine hair, avoid applying conditioner to the crown area. Start about two inches from the roots, concentrating on ends which need more hydration. Try Alterna Bamboo Abundant Volume Conditioner, or one of our other great volumizing conditioners.

Normal or Medium Hair

Balanced hydration helps maintain normal hair’s healthy texture. You know your hair is normal if you have no specific hair issues, and hair is shiny and doesn’t break often. Healthy hair ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, eucalyptus and wheat proteins will maintain moisture levels and preserve your hair’s vitality and strength. Look for formulas intended for daily use such as Nick Chavez Nourishing Conditioner.

Curly Hair

Curly hair needs moisturizing conditioners to add shine and essential nourishment to hair. Natural scalp oils don’t make it past the first few inches of hair, leaving ends dry and frazzled.

Stylists recommend that super curly, kinky hair types should use a conditioner that’s high in protein (i.e. listed as one of the first ingredients). Other moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, olive oil and glycerin boost hair hydration, promoting curl elasticity and overall hair health. Check out Ouidad Climate Control Defrizzing Conditioner or DevaCurl One Condition.

Thick Hair

Thick, full strands can often look fuller on the bottom instead of at the roots, and if hair is coarse wayward strands need to be tamed. Softening ingredients such as avocado oil and soy milk will help add weight, create silky texture and smooth out volume. Try Theorie Green Tea Conditioner.

Hair Needs:

Oily Hair

Ironically, a dry scalp causes oily hair. To soothe the dryness, oil glands in the scalp produce an abundance of oil, which causes your hair to look and feel greasy. Conditioner should only be used on the ends of oily hair, and used sparingly, to promote healthy moisture balance. It seems contradictory, but a weekly oil treatment such as Leonor Greyl Regenerescence Naturelle can help balance your scalp for cleaner, shinier hair.

While you may love the great outdoors, sun, sand and swimming can wreak havoc on your locks. Find a protective conditioner that includes sunscreens, and other moisturizing ingredients to keep hair shiny, healthy and free from damage. Try Alterna Caviar Repair Rx Instant Recovery Conditioner.